For the uninitiated, Paisley is a historic town bordering the city of Glasgow in Scotland, located in the scenic central Lowlands. A warm and welcoming place, it is often called the largest town in all of Scotland. Located close to the Glasgow Airport, Paisley has plenty to offer even the most discerning traveler looking for sights to see and things to do.
Summer is often the best time to visit the fair town, and there are plenty of attractions all around the city to keep you busy. From historic landmarks to modern museums, to shopping and dining experiences, outdoor adventures and more, Paisley has them all. Here is a quick look at some of the experiences that await you in our town this summer:
A visit to the Paisley Abbey
This 12th century Abbey is located at the heart of the town and is intricately linked to its history. William Wallace, depicted by Mel Gibson in Braveheart, was a student at this abbey in his youth. It was burned down once by King Edward I of England but was quickly rebuilt within a century.
In 2019, you will find the Abbey in tranquil surroundings, close to the river, and the midst of well-tended grounds. It is a great landmark for history and architecture buffs, with its tombs, many archaeological artifacts, stained glass windows, and the Barochan Cross which dates back to the 10th Century. The latter is among the oldest surviving examples of the Govan School sculptural style.
Of special interest to sci-fi fans are the gargoyles located on the exterior of the Abbey. One of these became an internet sensation, due to its close resemblance to the Xenomorph from the Alien movies. It was crafted by a stonemason who undertook restoration work of the 12 gargoyles at the abbey in the 1990s!
Explore the Rouken Glen Park Waterfalls
Located south-east of Paisley in the Rouken Glen Park is a series of waterfalls that has mystified countless visitors due to their unique appearance. Over the centuries, these natural falls were modified countless times to power textile mills in the region during the Industrial Revolution.
The falls are a great place to experience the natural beauty of the Renfrewshire countryside around Paisley. They also offer you a window into the industrial past of the town of Paisley and its surrounding regions.
The Rouken Glen Park is a great place for walks and treks, as it is dotted with woodland trails. Summer is the best time to visit, as there are marshes and steep paths which can get quite slippery in the rains.
Shop at intu Braehead and Soar
The intu Braehead is the premier shopping and entertainment destination in the Renfrewshire council area and Glasgow metropolitan area. This place has everything, a huge mall, an entertainment arena, a massive food court, and even an ice rink and ski slope.
Shopping is the primary attraction at Braehead, with over 100 different stores and retail brands. There are many dining options including both fast food outlets as well as fine restaurants in the food mall, which had 20+ establishments as of 2019.
If you want a fun day for kids and family, the Soar is the place to be. The entertainment arena has tons of activities, including cinemas, rock climbing, skiing, ice skating, adventure gold, dodgem cars, laser tag, and even a roller disco. They have their own dining area here with even more restaurants and outlets.
The centre is located within easy reach of both Paisley and Glasgow. Parking is available aplenty, and there are plenty of buses connecting it to major towns and villages nearby as well.
A spot of gambling at Glasgow casinos
If you want something less family and more adult-oriented, then the city of Glasgow is right next to Paisley! If you desire some gambling or betting action, Glasgow is the best place to be in all of Scotland. Of the dozen casinos in the country, at least half call the city their home.
Alea Glasgow is considered of the best gambling destinations in the city. Located on the shores of the River Clyde, this place is open 24 hours and has everything you would need from an offline casino. There is a spacious gaming floor filled with slots and live tables, two amazing bars, and even a classy restaurant.
The Genting at Glasgow is slightly smaller with fewer slots but has a good number of live tables (around 12). Other similar-sized casinos around the city include the Grosvenor Casino Merchant City and the Grosvenor Casino Riverboat. All these offer a balanced game selection of slots, blackjack, poker, and other games like Punto Banco and Baccarat.
As you can see, you have a fair amount of choice when it comes to legal gambling in Scotland. But if offline casinos are not your thing and you prefer playing online make sure to check out Nodeposithero.com
Go for a Walk at Gleniffer Braes Country Park
Waterfall, lake, scenic hills, and tranquil farms, Gleniffer Braes Park has them all. And the best part is, if you are visiting Paisley, the park is just a 10-minute drive away from the town center. It is a great place to visit in summer as well as winter.
Yes it’s that beautiful
From the park, you can soak in majestic views of Ben Lomond, one of the most famous mountains in the Scottish Highlands. The braes (hills in Scottish) around the park are perfect for moderate hikes and offer you stunning views of Glasgow and surrounding countryside.
The park even has its lake. With a very peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, the park is an ideal place for families as well as solo visits. And it is also quite dog-friendly. There is plenty of parking available but the park does not have any cafes or dining options. So don’t forget to bring your own snacks and drinks!
Now Just Plan Your Visit
These are just some of the top destinations that wait for you in Paisley. There are plenty of other things to visit here, including an observatory, a Cenotaph, gardens, art galleries, museums, and more!